The 2025/26 Federal Budget was announced in May, but how are the changes affecting you now? This guide breaks down the key impacts for Gold Coast residents, covering housing affordability schemes for first home buyers, cost-of-living relief, and new incentives for small businesses. Discover what the budget means for your personal and business finances today.
The headlines from the Federal Budget back in May have faded, but the changes announced are now rolling out and affecting household and business finances across the Gold Coast. So, with a few months passed, what do the key measures from the 2025/26 budget mean for you today?
We’ve cut through the jargon to bring you the key takeaways for your finances.
1. A Major Boost for Housing Affordability
The centrepiece of the budget for property buyers was the significant expansion of housing support schemes. As we've seen since the changes on October 1st, initiatives like the Home Guarantee Scheme (with its higher price caps and no income limits) and the Help to Buy shared equity scheme are now actively helping more Gold Coast first home buyers get into the market sooner and with less of a deposit.
- What it means for you: If you thought you were locked out of the market, these expanded schemes might be your key to homeownership. It's the perfect time to reassess your eligibility.
2. Cost-of-Living Relief for Households
Many households are now seeing the benefit of the budget's cost-of-living measures, such as adjustments to tax brackets or energy bill rebates. While this provides some welcome breathing room, it’s also an opportunity to be strategic.
- What it means for you: With a little extra cash in your pocket, now is the ideal time to review your single biggest expense: your mortgage. A quick home loan review could uncover opportunities to refinance to a lower rate, potentially saving you hundreds more each month and amplifying the benefits of the budget relief.
3. New Incentives for Gold Coast Small Businesses
The budget included a continuation of key incentives for small and medium-sized businesses, like the instant asset write-off. This allows local businesses to immediately deduct the cost of eligible assets, encouraging investment in new equipment and technology.
- What it means for you: If you're a Gold Coast business owner, these incentives make it a great time to invest in your growth. We can provide fast, flexible equipment or business loans to help you acquire the assets you need to become more productive and profitable.
Making the Budget Work for You
While the Federal Budget sets the economic tone for the nation, what truly matters is how you can leverage these changes for your personal financial situation. As your local finance experts, we can help you navigate the current landscape and make the most of the opportunities available to you and your business on the Gold Coast.
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